A pleasant work environment starts with fresh, healthy air. Yet, many offices in Montréal face a persistent issue: a musty smell that’s hard to pinpoint—and even harder to eliminate. This issue, often brushed off, actually reveals major shortcomings in ventilation or HVAC maintenance. At AirGreen, we’ve dealt with this problem countless times across the city and surrounding areas, and we know exactly how to fix it.
A bad smell? It’s not just about comfort
A musty odor isn’t just unpleasant—it signals a breakdown in indoor air quality. It can stem from:
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Poorly designed or insufficient ventilation;
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Clogged filters that haven’t been replaced regularly;
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An HVAC system that’s poorly maintained;
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Lingering humidity, often due to unclean ducts;
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Oversized or undersized systems not adapted to the building’s use or surface area.
These odors often indicate the presence of mold, pollutants, or built-up dust and bacteria, which can affect employee health and hurt productivity.
Real case study: When a downtown office becomes unbreathable
Recently, a graphic design firm located in Griffintown, Montréal, contacted us: for several months, employees had been complaining about a persistent musty smell, especially in the mornings. Even though a central air conditioning system had been installed recently, the air felt “heavy” and uncomfortable.
Our intervention at AirGreen revealed several maintenance and design errors:
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The air filters hadn’t been changed in over 14 months.
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The main duct had a heavy buildup of dust and mold.
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The mechanical ventilation system was underpowered for the actual needs of the office (15 workstations instead of the 10 originally planned).
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No preventive maintenance had been performed since the system was installed.
In under two days, we:
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Performed a full cleaning of the ventilation system (ducts, exchanger, filters);
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Recommended and installed a dual-flow ventilation system with heat recovery tailored to the office’s size and usage;
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Integrated HEPA filters to improve air quality;
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Trained staff on monthly maintenance tasks and in-house checks.
The result: by the first week, employee feedback was unanimous. The air felt fresher, the odors were gone, and absenteeism (often linked to headaches and respiratory discomfort) dropped by over 50%.
The most common HVAC maintenance mistakes in Montréal offices
At AirGreen, we carry out HVAC cleaning and diagnostic visits throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, and we often see the same recurring issues:
1. Ignoring the filters
A clogged filter becomes ineffective, causes the system to work harder, and lets allergens, dust, mold, and bad odors through.
2. No preventive maintenance plan
Too many managers wait until the system breaks down or the odor becomes unbearable before acting.
3. Poor ventilation design
In many Montréal offices, we’ve seen poorly placed ducts, undersized systems, or areas not covered by ventilation. This creates stagnant air pockets.
4. Forgetting about the ductwork
Even if the air conditioner or heat pump works fine, the ducts themselves collect contaminants if not cleaned regularly.
What we recommend at AirGreen
To avoid your Montréal office smelling musty all the time, a proper and rigorous HVAC maintenance plan is essential:
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Thorough duct cleaning every 2 to 3 years, especially in high-occupancy spaces;
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Filter replacement every 3 months, or as per manufacturer recommendations;
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Annual professional maintenance of the HVAC unit, including motor, coils, and sensors;
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Monitoring indoor humidity levels to prevent mold growth;
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Periodic assessment of the ventilation system design, especially after renovations or layout changes.
Our interventions across Greater Montréal
We’ve helped numerous businesses—marketing agencies in the Plateau Mont-Royal, law firms in Downtown, tech startups in Laval, or retail stores in Longueuil—upgrade their HVAC systems. Thanks to our expertise, we’ve been able to:
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Improve indoor air quality;
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Eliminate persistent odors;
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Boost energy efficiency of existing systems;
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Increase employee and customer satisfaction.
Why choose AirGreen
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell or repair HVAC equipment. We understand how buildings function as a whole, from budget constraints to performance requirements, comfort standards, and air quality demands.
Our certified technicians operate throughout Greater Montréal, whether it’s a central heat pump installation, commercial duct cleaning, or a complete diagnostic of a professional HVAC system.
We also offer customized maintenance contracts, ensuring you remain compliant with regulations while providing your team with a healthy environment.
In summary: how to eliminate musty smells in your office
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Have your HVAC system inspected by a professional;
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Replace filters regularly;
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Clean the ductwork at least every 2 to 3 years;
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Make sure ventilation matches the space and real occupancy;
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Schedule a full annual maintenance check.
Musty smells are never inevitable. With the right expertise, proper maintenance, and suitable equipment, your office can become a fresh, healthy, and productive space.
Trust AirGreen for professional, local, fast, and long-lasting service in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.